Knoxville: College Football's 10th Highest Rated Market In 2011

As fans across the country prepare for the start of the 2012 college
football season, ESPN examined the ratings for its game telecasts in the
56 metered markets from 2000 to 2011. The results show the Top 25
markets from 2011, how the markets compare to this year's Top 25 teams
and overall trends from the past 12 years.

Top 25 Markets for 2011

No. 1 Birmingham: 5.9 rating

No. 2 Oklahoma City: 4.3 rating

Columbus: 4.3 rating

No. 4 Greenville: 4.1 rating

No. 5 New Orleans: 3.4 rating

Atlanta: 3.4 rating

No. 7 Jacksonville: 3.3 rating

Tulsa: 3.3 rating

No. 9 Las Vegas: 3.2 rating

No. 10 Knoxville: 3.0 rating

Knoxville, Tenn. trends - Six of the 56 markets have finished a season in the second highest-rated spot (Knoxville, Tenn. in 2009, 2008, 2006, 2004 and 2002) - Thirteen markets have been in the top five highest-rated at least once from 2000 to 2011. - Knoxville was in the top five in eight years (2010, 2009, 2008, 2007,
2006, 2004, 2003 and 2002). - The home city of the Tennessee Volunteers
wasn't a metered market in 2000 or 2001, and finished 10th in 2011, and
sixth in 2005. - Solid Debuts: Knoxville and Greenville each debuted as a
metered market in 2002 to impressive finishes. Knoxville finished the
season in second while Greenville finished in 12th. - Knoxville has finished in the top 10 every year since 2002 when it was first metered.

34 days and I can't wait to see my vols in action. Though I will be stationed in the Republic of Korea, it is my hope that Slingbox will allow me to see each and every game (including pay per view). GO VOLS!!! We are on the rise again.